But it also posted a 90-day evaluation copy of Windows 8 RTM (release to manufacturing) that anyone can download.

At approximately 1 p.m. ET, members of TechNet began reporting that Windows 8 RTM was available.

"Downloading Windows 8 Enterprise now, with an Enterprise Multiple Activation key," said Ken Schannen, in a message posted on the . "I also see Windows 8 Pro with 3 keys available."

Others chimed in that they had start downloading, too.

Not surprisingly, some subscribers said Microsoft's servers were sluggish under the strain. "TechNet is dying under the stress of all the downloads," said someone identified only as on a different thread.